Remembering Anton Khudobin: The goaltender who made 'We're not going home' iconic
Photo credit: The Hockey Beast
In the long history of the Dallas Stars, few players have captured fans' hearts as quickly as Anton Khudobin, and his «We're not going home» moment remains one of the most unforgettable rallying cries in team history.
The news of his retirement after 14 NHL seasons feels like the closing chapter to one of the Stars' most inspiring underdog stories, yet the legacy he leaves behind is still felt across Dallas hockey.
Khudobin's career with the Stars was defined by clutch performances, none bigger than during the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs when he stepped in as the unexpected starter and carried Dallas to the Final.
At 5-foot-11, he didn't fit the modern goaltender mold, but what he lacked in size, he made up for with reflexes, positioning, and a fiery personality that teammates loved.
He wasn't just a goaltender, he was a spark, and his energy seemed to elevate the Stars in the most important moments.
Anton Khudobin's playoff run made him a Dallas Stars legend
When Ben Bishop went down in the 2020 playoffs, Khudobin took over, delivering a string of performances that earned him a spot in Dallas sports history.
In the locker room after a crucial win, he famously told reporters, «We're not going home», a phrase that became the team's battle cry during that magical run.
It wasn't just a quote, it was a belief that the Stars could defy the odds.
Even after leaving Dallas, Khudobin remained a respected figure in the hockey world, playing a mentorship role in his later seasons and leaving a positive mark wherever he went.
I think every Stars fan remembers exactly where they were when he made that statement, and moments like that are what make sports so powerful.
His recent retirement, announced after 14 years in the NHL, was met with tributes from fans and former teammates alike, with many citing his leadership and playoff heroics as career-defining qualities.
Looking back, I believe his run in 2020 wasn't just about stopping pucks, it was about giving Dallas a reason to believe again.
Anton Khudobin may be stepping away from the game, but his words, his smile, and that incredible playoff journey will forever be part of Stars history.
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